The History of Behnkes

The story of Behnke Nurseries is the epitome of the American Dream. A young man from Germany immigrated to the United States to seek a better life for himself while carrying on the family tradition. Now a local landmark, Behnke Nurseries began over 80 years ago in Beltsville, Maryland through the hard work and determination of that young man, Albert Behnke, and his wife Rose.

Sonja Behnke Festerling (1964)	Early Behnke Nurseries (around 1939)	Rose Behnke (1963)

• Part 1 - The American Dream - Albert Behnke comes to America.

• Part 2 - The Business Survives the Depression. And “The Man who Sold Hot Dogs”

• Part 3 - The Post-War Years - Prosperity at Last.

• Behnkes and African Violets.

• History of the Behnkes Floral Shop in Potomac.

This is a photo of Albert Behnke Nurseries, as it was called in the beginning. In the distance you can see the
Lewis Family home, which is still there on Wicomico Ave. Behnke Nurseries is still located on this property
in Beltsville, Maryland on US 1. (1931)

Albert & Rose Behnke (L) (1931) - The Garden of Albert and Rose Behnke (R) (1971)